Future Leaders in Sustainability

Instructor(s)

Oren Pizmony-Levy is an Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He received a B.A. in political science and educational policy from Tel-Aviv University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology and educational leadership and policy studies from Indiana University – Bloomington. His research examines the emergence, spread, and impact of global education movements. Professor Pizmony-Levy’s main line of research is concerned with environmental sustainability education policy and politics, as reflected in the work of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and cities. Other lines of research focus on international large-scale assessments of student achievement (e.g., TIMSS and PISA), and their impact of these assessments on the policy process through public discourse and public opinion.  

Professor Pizmony-Levy is the founding Director of the Center for Sustainable Futures. At the Center, he leads two international research projects on teachers’ engagement with environmental sustainability education (part of the OECD TALIS) and on organizations active in climate change communication and education (part of the MECCE Project). He is an active member of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), and served as the Chairperson of three Special Interest Group: SOGIE SIG (2018/2020); Large-Scale Cross-National Studies in Education SIG (2013/2016); and the Environmental and Sustainability Education SIG (2012/2014).

Among his recent publications are “Rigid Culture and Social Change: How African NGOs Educate about LGBTI Rights” (with Naomi Moland), and “Networked Education Systems and the Flow of PISA-Induced References” (with Erika Kessler). Professor Pizmony-Levy is the recipient of multiple awards from professional associations, including CIES and the American Sociological Association. He has received research grants from the Arcus Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the U.S. State Department.

Michelle Guo is a part time doctoral student in the Adult Learning and Leadership (ALL) program and full-time staff person in the Center for Sustainable Futures. She previously completed her M.Ed in ALL at TC and M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from New York University. Michelle worked as an educational consultant with international students in New York boarding schools before joining TC. Michelle is also a certified college counselor. Her doctoral research focuses on parent’s self development and role modeling, transformative learning in school leadership, and sustainable teaching. 

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Comprehend the global architecture of sustainability: Students will explore key concepts and the pivotal role of education in promoting sustainability and sustainable development.
• Analyze environmental and sustainability education policies: Students will assess current policies, identifying their goals, frameworks, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Envision new, sustainable ways of living: Students will gain insights into creating more sustainable lifestyles on Earth.
• Develop essential skills: Students will enhance their critical thinking, academic speaking, and writing abilities.

Who Should Attend

TC Pre-College courses are open to rising juniors and seniors ages 16-18. All courses are conducted in English and learners should have sufficient fluency to participate.

This course is designed for high school students with an interest in global affairs, environmental science, education, business, social science, or social entrepreneurship. 

Upon Completion

Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation from the Center for Sustainable Futures at Teachers College.